Submitted by niaregion3 on
Amidst the heavy and occasional rain showers, 230 men and women of NIA Region 3 with 50 employees from the Central Office and 20 Irrigators Association Officers jointly planted 3,500 assorted seedlings of mahogany, narra and mangium tree in the sloping area of mountainous Barangay Nabuklod, Floridablanca, Pampanga. There were also 30 uniformed men from the 48th Infantry Battalion headed by LTCOL ArnelCabungon who likewise planted trees in watershed area of 20,000 square meters, the group also provide security for the planters.
The said tree planting site is the comfort zone of resettled Aetas due to the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo on June 15, 1991, the second largest volcanic eruption of the century and by far the largest eruption to affect densely populated area. It is also the watershed area of the proposed Upper Gumain dam.
With the Indigenous Peoples themselves, the tree planters joyfully complied the mother natures’ call to plant a tree thereby conserving and mitigating climate change. Trees give off oxygen that we need to breathe. Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding. Many species of wildlife depends on trees for habitat. Trees also provide food, protection and homes for many birds and mammals.
After the activity, the group travelled in convoy proceeding to Jerlens Resort in Bacolor, Pampanga where the boodle fight of lunch was prepared for the NIA’n planters. A bountiful meal for everyone.
The NIA region 3 planting activity was hosted by the beautiful and newly installed Acting IMO Manager of PAMBAT, Engr. Beverly G. Lorenzo and supported by the equally and undeniably beautiful NIA Region 3 Manager Josephine B. Salazar.
Likewise, the participation of NIA key officials led by the Senior Deputy Administrator Gen Abraham B Bagasin and Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Maj Gen Romeo G Gan adds more surprises in the conduct of event.
by Eliseo V. Bitangcol